NASA and Smithsonian Host 10 Year Anniversary Events for Mars Rovers

Submitted by Exponential Times on Wed, 2014-01-08 01:39

NASA and the Smithsonian's National Air and Space Museum Media held public events at the museum to commemorate 10 years of roving across Mars. Activities highlighted the images and achievements of Mars Exploration Rovers Spirit and Opportunity and how Mars robotic exploration and discovery will aid plans for a future human mission to Mars. NASA landed the rovers on Mars in January 2004 and both completed three-month prime missions in April 2004. Although Spirit stopped communicating with Earth in March 2010, Opportunity continues to explore. The rovers have made important discoveries about wet environments on ancient Mars that may have been favorable for supporting microbial life.